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April 7, 2010

The Empowering Giveaway to help the fight against cancer

matt logo Canadian abstract artist Matt LeBlanc officially started his Matt LeBlanc Art for Life Campaign on March 24th. Matt is going to paint 200 paintings in six months with the goal of raising $25,000 for cancer research.

It seems that everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Take my blog partner Victoria for example. A couple of years ago she had cervical cancer and had to have a hysterectomy… and, last June, she wrote a post about her friend Roni who, after 4 grueling rounds of chemotherapy, continues to bravely fight against metastasized breast cancer. All my dad’s siblings died from cancer. Even pets get cancer. It’s evil and non-discriminating, and often we have no control over becoming one of its victims.

cancer_sucks

That’s why Matt’s Art for life Campaign is so important — the money he raises for cancer research may help you or a friend or family member one day.

I asked Matt why he decided to do the campaign…

1 of 200The reason is simple. I lost my big sister to the ugly disease. She died before I was born, so I never had the chance to meet her. She was almost five when she died — my son is turning five this year, so it’s been on my mind for a while now.

I’m also a big believer in giving back to your community, either by volunteering your time or by making a monetary contribution. I’m fortunate to have a good life and a great family, and  I’m in a position now with my career that I can give back. So to me, it’s a simple thing to do.

…what he hopes to accomplish…

7 of 200 The biggest thing I want to accomplish is to surpass my goal of raising $25,000. There’s no doubt in my mind that I will create the 200 paintings. It will demand a lot of work and a big commitment from my family, but we’ve talked about it and everyone is onboard. The biggest challenge for me will be to sell the 200 paintings. I’m lucky to have a strong network supporting the cause, and I’ve already sold 10 paintings that I haven’t even started yet! These purchasers are current clients who have stepped forward and told me that they are supporting my cause.

…and how he’s going to create a painting a day…

3 of 200 My life is already crazy!!! A lot of people don’t know I actually work full time as well.  We can’t forget my two young demanding kids either! Painting a piece a day is an average really, and I know I won’t be able to paint every day. I have six months, and there will be weekends, vacation time, and holidays in there. I know I may fall behind, or I might get ahead at some point. Who knows? All I know is that cancer never sleeps, so I plan to be sleep-deprived many nights over the next six months to make sure I complete all 200 paintings.

You go, Matt!!

Matt usually gives his paintings one-word names. For his campaign, he’s numbering all the paintings from 1 to 200. Giving them all individual names would be too difficult and time-consuming, and he’s already got his hands full with creating 200 paintings!!

2 of 200 6 of 200 5 of 200 9 of 200

After the Art for Life Campaign ends on Friday, September 24th, all 200 paintings that Matt creates for his campaign will be displayed at the Art for Life Gala. After the gala, all paintings will be sent to the purchasers.

The Empowering Giveaway to help the fight against cancer

To help Matt spread the word about his Art for Life Campaign, we’re giving away this 16” x 20” Matt LeBlanc original painting, appropriately entitled Empowering.

empowering 1 empowering 2

A couple of close-ups that show the texture of Matt’s work…

empowering 3empowering 4

How can you win?

By spreading the word about Matt’s campaign!! The more people who hear about it, the better the chance that Matt will reach his goal of selling all 200 paintings and raising $25,000.

Doing any one of the following will get you an entry. Do all of them, and you’ll get seven entries.

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. Post about Matt’s campaign on your blog and/or add a link to his campaign to your sidebar, and then leave a comment here letting us know that you blogged about it. Feel free to include his logo:matt logo3. Spread the word about Matt’s campaign on Twitter, and then leave a comment here letting us know that you tweeted about it. Use the tag #ArtForLife.

4. Spread the word about Matt’s campaign on Facebook, and then leave a comment here letting us know that you posted about it on FB.

5. Go to Matt’s Art for Life Gallery and check out his paintings, and then leave a comment here telling us which painting is your favourite.

6. Have you supported the fight against cancer? Leave a comment here telling us what you did.

7. Have a great idea for how to raise money for cancer research? Leave a comment here and tell us about it.

The giveaway is open for two weeks. We’ll do a random draw from all the entries on Thursday, April 22nd and we’ll announce the winner on Friday, April 23rd.

It would be so cool to spread the word about Matt’s campaign all around the world. With your help, I’m sure we can do it!!

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49 comments:

Unknown said...

I love Matt's work! I found his site quite a while ago and have checked back periodically. I think it's absolutely amazing that he has taken on this initiative to help in the fight against cancer.

Whoops! I forgot to add I went to his Art For Life Gallery and I love painting 3 of 200. I posted a second comment to add that I liked this one, but then deleted both and consolidated into one comment. Sorry!

- Danielle
other-option AT hotmail DOT com

Designwali said...

I like painting 3 of 200. This is a great idea, I will blog about it for you guys!

Vanessa@decor happy said...

Such a worthwhile cause - will definitely post about it.

Vanessa@decor happy said...

Not sure if you wanted the entries to be separate comments but I liked #3. It's sold but will definitely be buying one. So reasonable for an original piece of art. Can't wait to see what else he does.

A Room For Everyone said...

A wonderful initiative, well done! I've put the giveaway details on my sidebar..Rachaelxx

Kelly@ColorSizzle said...

This is a wonderful giveaway for a terrific cause. I'll have to enter when I have more time to visit Matt's site and browse around. I'm sure his work is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I love #5 of Matt's work. To me it is a survivor reaching upward. Think this is a great way to raise funds for cancer research. And yes, I am the "Roni" in Victoria's article.

Kelly, Arte Styling said...

just tweeted!!! what a great project. :) my uncle is currently fighting renal cancer. he's been hanging in there for about 4 years, but it's a battle.

Barbara Matson said...

I just wrote a post on my blog about your cause. I hope he achieves his goal! What a great project.

Barbara Matson said...

I would love painting #3.

Barbara Matson said...

We have donated money to cancer research on behalf of people in our lives that have succumbed to the disease.

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

Great idea for a great cause! Already having a great piece of artwork by Matt Leblanc, I am definitely in for this giveaway!

I've tweeted! Chirp chirp!

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

I've checked out Matt's link and if I had to choose one it'd be #1 - I love the mix of colours!

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

And...I've placed a link on my Sidebar to Matt's site. Go Matt Go!!!

Lisa said...

Okay added a link to Matt's site on my blog, tweeted it and put it on my facebook as well. Happening is my favourite painting - beautiful colour and I love the way the white line runs through the painting.

DesignTies said...

I'm so happy that word about our giveaway and Matt's campaign is getting around :-) A huge thanks to all of you who are helping to spread the word even further :-)

Good luck with your fight, Roni -- be tough!!

Kelly

Catherine said...

I checked the Gallery and my favorite painting so far is 6/200. But sadly for me, its already sold! I'll just have to wait for the 190 paintings to come and see if I can find one for our home.

Nancy@marcusdesign said...

Wow, this is a great thing to get involved with, way to go Matt and way to go Kelly and Victoria!! My fav paintings on Matt's site were 3 and 5 of 200 so far. Can't wait to see more!! I will put his link up on my side bar for sure.

My uncle passed away 2 years ago of leukemia (2 weeks after finding out he was even sick!!), and my boss has been (successfully) battling breast cancer this year, which is very interesting because I work in her Biochemistry lab and some of our research looks at the basic cell biology of what is happening when your body makes wrond decisions that could lead to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers.

@jennamacneil said...

Matt's work is lovely - and this campaign in fabulous! I've twitted about it a few times now, and am hoping we get an Art for Life piece as a wedding present this summer!

Paul Anater said...

You have been Tweeted, Facebooked and I love his painting number number five. Seriously, this is a great cause and it's very generous of you two to publicize his efforts here.

Jane at HB Design Inc. said...

I too tweeted and FB this wonderful link...if I could I would buy all 200 pieces of art! They are wonderful. Good luck to you in raising funds. Cancer has touched many in my family, and among my friends. Even me, with a melanoma. Keep up the good fight.

Jane

Unknown said...

Tweeted! @barkhaven

We saw Matt's work at the Moncton Home Show and we loved it. We're hoping to find a piece we like in his Art for Life works.

Keep up the great work Matt!

Kat said...

How did I miss this? I love his work, and I love #4 and #10. Off to post a link on my blog and on FB! Thanks for this info Kelly. Kathy

margie said...

any effort to battle cancer is worthy. i lost my first husband at a very young age. now my brother in law is fighting as is a young friend, just 30 years old.

Melissa said...

Love Matt's painting, we bought 2 so far for our new home & cant wait to see the new paintings.

This is a great cause and it will no doubt bring people together to raise money to fight this battle.

Gayle said...

How amazing that Matt is doing this! I think my favorite so far is #13.

Darcy Cummings said...

I've been a fan of Matt Leblanc Art and proud to say I now own 4 pieces of his artwork. I think this campaign is such a great idea. I have been a long supporter of cancer research as several of my family and friends have battled with cancer. I donate towards the cause and also wear my "Livestrong" bracelet as a reminder to live each day as it is my last and as a tribute to lost ones. I have also mentioned to all my Facebook friends to join Matt's group and take a look at his work. I also check out Art for Life projects daily.
Great Work Matt! Keep it up!

Designwali said...

my matt post will be up tomorrow! I can't believe a lot of his work is selling fast!

Laura Trevey said...

a wonderful cause, and thank you for spreading the word :)

xoxo Laura

Jenny said...

What an amazing cause. Thank you for spreading the word. I will see if I can squeeze the budget a bit to get a contribution to him in the next few weeks.

The Wilson's said...

Beautiful art for a wonderful cause!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

wow, his work is beautiful and focus to help those battling cancer even better. what a wonderful human being. love it!

xo,
cristin

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

sent out a tweet too -
http://twitter.com/simplifiedbee

xo,
cristin

Kerri - Driftwood Interiors said...

What a generous thing Matt is doing, and good on you for bringing this to everyone's attention. Count me in please! Kerri xx

jacqueline said...

Beautiful!

Karena said...

A wonderful cause, and Matt how generous of you!

Karena
Art by Karena

micah said...

great artwork for a great cause!

Tricia - Avolli said...

This is a great idea and it is wonderful that you are helping to spread the word. I will do the same.

Tricia - Avolli

Tricia - Avolli said...

I just added a link to his site here:
http://swedishantiques.blogspot.com/

I hope it helps and drives a lot of visitors to his site that will learn more and donate $$$.

Tricia - Avolli

Tricia - Avolli said...

Just Twittered about the fundraiser!
Every little bit can help! My Twitter account also feeds to my blog so this is a 'twofer' opportunity!!! Yay for the fundraiser.

Tricia - Avolli

Tricia - Avolli said...

Last but not least I have posted to FB.

Isn't viral marketing the best!

Tricia - Avolli

Julie Warner @warnersstellian said...

Those are beautiful paintings, and for such a wonderful cause. I'd love to be a part of it.

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

Wow what a great cause! Beautiful paintings... what a good guy.

Did anyone immediately think of the actor from Friends??

Catherine said...

Just blogged about the campaign... I will also post it on my facebook.. hopefully it will reach some of my friends out in Moncton!

I would love to be there in September to see the whole gallery!

Nimisha said...

I really truly support this fight against cancer !!! My fav is #5.
I tweeted as well :)

Steph@TheGraniteGurus said...

What a great giveaway for a great cause! Thanks! Steph

janet said...

Hi kelly, it seems i have come to do a bit of blogging at a very important time. What Matt is doing is absolutely inspiring!! Its a wonderful example of someone using thier god given talent in such a meaningful giving way, what a fine outstanding human being. He has certainly touched my heart, Cheers to Matt! You are so right Kelly, cancer has effected so many lives, my dad has had it, not to mention I have lost relatives and very dear friends to this horrible disease. As you know kelly, im not good on the computer, could you send me an email to teach me how to put this on my side bar and on my facebook. I will most certainly do what i can to help out. Reading this post has made my day, thank you!
hugs
janet

Arlene said...

Thanks to Matt for dedicating his time, money and talent to such a worthy cause!

Marie @ MOOT said...

That's a great initiative. I really hope that a cure will come soon and cancer will become a thing of the past.

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